HC Deb 21 June 1967 vol 748 c1710
27. Mr. Bryant Godman Irvine

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to increase the use of milk for manufacturing purposes.

Mr. Peart

None, Sir. Milk production surplus to requirements for liquid consumption is already fully utilised in the manufacture of milk products.

Mr. Godman Irvine

If we are to have additional beef calves as a result of the right hon. Gentleman's proposed national plan, is it not essential that a lot of work is done?

Mr. Peart

As I said previously, if we are to have an expansion of the dairy herd, inevitably there will be an increase in milk products on the manufacturing side. I have always stressed that. But the hon. Gentleman must realise that we have special agreements. We gave assurances to New Zealand and Australia in 1963 and to Denmark in 1959. If hon. Gentlemen wish to break those assurances, they should tell me.